LINCOLN — Governor Ricketts has signed a measure into law that allows meat packers to own hogs.
This bill has been one of the more controversial in this legislative session.
Business and farming groups say it will help the hog industry, which has grown at a slower rate compared to other states.
On the other side, opponents worry that meatpackers will now have too much leverage over farmers and shrink the cash market. In essence, that makes it harder for non-contract farmers to sell their hogs.
The bill was implicitly supported by Smithfield Farms. The Chinese-owned pork processor has contributed to at least 20 current state lawmakers, Governor Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson.